Gene Oliver Hayes

Gene was predeceased by his parents, Ernest (HE) and Annie Yarbrough Hayes and a sister and brother-in-law, Frances and Hoyt Brewer. He is survived by his precious wife, Gloria, beloved daughter, Terri Hayes (Stan), grandson, Drew Hayes (Samantha), granddaughter, Amanda Hayes Bishop (Adam), and great grandchildren, Levi Bishop and Addilyn Hayes.

Gene was born on the first day of 1930, grew up in Fairfield, Alabama, attended Fairfield High School and upon graduating from Birmingham-Southern College, enlisted in the US Air Force Aviation Cadet Program. He trained as a fighter pilot but before he was combat ready, the Korean War was winding down and he served the remainder of his active duty time at Tinker AFB in Oklahoma City. Released from active duty, he completed his required inactive obligation and was honorably discharged at the rank of Captain.

Gene was involved in singing virtually all of his life, singing a solo at First Baptist Church of Fairfield at the age of 7, being a part of the Apollo Boys Choir from age 8 to age 10, heavily involved in acapella choir and college theater while at BSC and directing church music and choirs on a part-time basis over a period of more than 60 years. While at BSC he was a member of EAE social fraternity.

Gene served in a number of churches including just under 40 years at First Baptist Church of Midfield. Upon that church passing its facilities to another congregation, Gene retired as a minister of music. At his death, he had been a member of First Baptist Church of Pleasant Grove for 16 years, having served there by singing in two choirs and serving at various times as trustees, chairman of the deacons and teaching a senior’s Sunday school class.

Gene met the love of his life when he came to South Park Baptist Church as choir director and this petite, lovely girl sat at the piano. His first thought was that she was 12 years old and certainly could not play for a choir. He quickly learned that she was 18 and was an accomplished pianist. Gene and Gloria Mitchell were married upon his completing his military training and they were blessed with 68 ½ years of sharing a life filled with love and packed with music.

Gene made a career in the insurance industry working for various companies in sales, underwriting, and management. He was employed by Compass Bank (BBVA Compass) for 16 years. People remember Gene’s great sense of humor and his ability to tell a joke or amusing story with perfect timing and accurate dialect. He is also remembered for his artistic ability, perhaps expressed best in his paintings and wood carvings.

The family will visit with friends on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 from 5:30pm until 6:30 pm at First Baptist Church of Pleasant Grove. A Celebration of Gene’s life will follow at 6:30 pm.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridoutselmwoodchapel.com for the Hayes family.